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Nominations Now Open for Best Local Businesses
The search is on for outstanding businesses, business leaders and organizations in Ulster County, as preparations are now underway for the Annual Ulster County Business Recognition Awards in October. Nomination forms including award criteria are available at the Ulster Chamber office at 214 Fair Street, Kingston or online at www.UlsterChamber.org. Categories include: Business of the YearSmall Business of the Year (25 or fewer employees)Businessperson or Entrepreneur of the YearTourism or Hospitality
Visual Branding That Builds Trust: A Practical Guide for Kingston Small Businesses
Research cited by the U.S. Small Business Administration shows that 75% of users judge a company's credibility by its website design — before reading a word about what you sell. For small businesses in Kingston and across Ulster County, that first impression often determines whether a potential customer stays or leaves. The good news: building a visual brand that signals reliability and trust doesn't require an agency or a large budget. It requires consistency, authenticity, and a few clear decisions
An Expo and a Mixer, All-in-One!
What do you get when you mix the Ulster Chamber’s highly successful Buy Local Expo with a popular Chamber of Commerce Networking Mixer? You get an ExpoMixer, the first of its kind, in the Hudson Valley. As the Expo is celebrating its 30th Anniversary this year, the event is not only being re-branded but will also be bigger than ever. The ExpoMixer will be held at Diamond Mills in Saugerties on Wednesday, September 16th, from 4:00 – 7:00 pm, again featuring nearly 100 exhibitors. In addition,
Congressman Pat Ryan To Speak At April Breakfast
United States Congressman Pat Ryan will be the featured Guest Speaker at the next breakfast meeting of the Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce. It will be held on Thursday, April 9th, 7:30-9:00am, at the Diamond Mills Hotel and Conference Center, 25 South Partition St., Saugerties. Cong. Ryan said his main topic will be tackling the “affordability crisis”—from groceries to housing. Sawyer Savings Bank is sponsoring the breakfast, and Sawyer Motors is the underwriting sponsor for the
KDD Marketing Earns Two Industry Awards, Cementing its Hospitality Expertise
Continuing its streak of local and industry-level accolades, KDD Marketing recently earned two wins from the 23rd annual Service Industry Advertising Awards (SIA Awards). Acknowledged for its work with The Emerson, a Catskills-based resort and spa, the team ranked first in the website category and third for its integrated marketing campaign. The SIA Awards build on the agency’s recent industry recognition for its work with The Emerson, which also earned honors from the Davey Awards and the American Graphic
ULSTER SAVINGS BANK ANNOUNCES BRANCH MANAGER PROMOTIONS
(Kingston, NY) Ulster Savings Bank is pleased to announce promotions of three long-standing branch managers: Melissa Carlile, Kathy DeLano, and Briana Purdy. Melissa Carlile has been promoted to Branch Manager/Banking Officer at the bank’s Stone Ridge location. Ms. Carlile’s responsibilities include oversight of all day-to-day branch operations, providing support, guidance, and training to branch staff, as well as achieving the branch’s business development goals throughout the surrounding areas. A
ULSTER SAVINGS BANK ANNOUNCES EMPLOYEE PROMOTIONS
(Kingston, NY) Ulster Savings Bank is pleased to announce the promotions of two team members: Rocco J. Pucino III and Jo Dunn. Each of them has been recognized for their outstanding achievements. Rocco J. Pucino IIIhas been promoted to First Vice President/Retail Banking Officer at the bank’s Kingston headquarters. In Mr. Pucino’s new role, he will be responsible for overseeing and directing the retail banking area by providing guidance and support to the bank’s 15 branch locations. A Newburgh, NY
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County Executive Jen Metzger Chamber of Commerce Speaker
Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger will be the guest speaker at the next monthly breakfast meeting of the Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce. Her address is scheduled from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. on Feb. 25 at the Wiltwyck Golf Club, 404 Steward Lane in Kingston. Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley is the breakfast sponsor. County Executive Metzger said she will provide a wide‑ranging overview of the county’s agenda for 2026. She will focus on strengthening the local economy through targeted
Outsourcing for Growth: How Business Owners Can Find the Right Marketing Professionals
Running a business means wearing a lot of hats, but when it comes to sales and marketing, trying to do everything yourself is like juggling with your eyes closed. Eventually, you drop the ball. That’s where outside professionals come in—consultants, agencies, and freelancers who specialize in helping companies grow. But hiring external talent isn’t just about finding someone with the right skills; it’s about finding the right fit for your business, your industry, and your long-term goals. If you’ve ever
Buying a Struggling Business? Here’s What You Really Need to Know
Buying a failing business can look like a shortcut to success. It’s already built. It has customers. There’s a story. But behind that veneer is a tangle of risks and decisions that demand precision, guts, and strategy. This isn’t about savior complexes or turnaround fantasies. It’s about reading the room, rebuilding trust, and adapting fast to the market you’re actually in—not the one that existed when the business was founded.Know What You’re Walking Into If a business is on the table because it’s
Picture-Perfect Listings: How to Capture Product Photos That Sell in Ulster County
When a potential buyer scrolls through your online store, their first impression happens in seconds — and it almost always starts with your product photos. For members of the Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce, showcasing local goods with clear, engaging images can make the difference between “just browsing” and “add to cart.”TL;DR Use natural light and a steady hand (or tripod). Keep your background consistent and clutter-free. Highlight textures, details, and real-life use. Save
